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Free local events over Heritage Open Days

Milton Keynes marks its annual Heritage Open Days with more than 65 free, family-friendly events between Thursday 8th and Sunday 11th September.

The focus this year is on the buildings – from medieval to ultra-modern – that make the city and its surrounding towns and villages so distinctive.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is supporting 12 of Milton Keynes' Open Day events, with local architects leading tours and providing expert background – specific events are advertised with the 'Love Architecture' logo.

With exhibitions, guided tours, walks and cycle rides, workshops, craft events and performances across the city and surrounding towns and villages, there's something for everyone. Activities include:

Explore the finest historic local churches – from medieval Loughton, to classical Willen, designed by Christopher Wren's assistant Robert Hooke;

Discover ancient Howe Park Wood and its ultra-modern Passivhaus, 'the most airtight building in Britain';

Tour EnergyWorld and Homeworld and find out why they were decades ahead of their time;

Experience the recently refurbished 19th century Bradwell Windmill in action;

Enjoy behind-the-scenes tours of the Stables, Milton Keynes Theatre and Gallery and Milton Keynes Crematorium, with their architects;

See 70 years of Milton Keynes' past through the lens of local film-makers, and re-visit the days of Punk, courtesy of the Living Archive;

Step back into the past at Bradwell Abbey's Medieval Family Fun Day, and enjoy Milton Keynes Museum's ever-popular Open Days BBQ and Beer Festival, this year featuring live dance from MÓTUS.

For full details of the many activities and events happening in and around Milton Keynes 8 – 11 September 2016 go to: www.mkheritageopendays.com. You can also follow Milton Keynes Heritage Open Days on Twitter using #MKHODs. Or pick up a leaflet from your local library or various outlets around Milton Keynes.

Paul Sanders, Assistant Director for Milton Keynes Council, said: "In the run-up to Milton Keynes 50th anniversary year, it's fitting that Heritage Open Days are highlighting the built environment that makes this area so special.

"Throughout 2017 we’ll be sharing with the world that Milton Keynes is an amazing place to live, work and visit, and our distinctive architecture, heritage and design will be at the heart of that message."

Rachael Wilson, Chair of the Buckinghamshire Society of Architects, said: "Local architects were very keen to join the dedicated and enthusiastic team of organisers, to help to tell the stories of the varied, unique architecture of Milton Keynes."

About Heritage Open Days?
As part of the national event across the country, MK Heritage Open Days is organised by Living Archive with support from Milton Keynes Council, MK Heritage Association and other partners, and is an annual celebration of the city’s heritage, art and culture.